All the time Ruby was sick, I stayed by her side.
For her sake, I put off all my business, meetings, and even those tasks that usually could not be postponed. All of this lost its significance in the face of a single desire — to be there if she suddenly got worse, if something needed to be done, said, or if she just needed someone to hold her hand.
I knew that in such moments, the presence of a loved one has a special power. It does not heal, reduce fever, or replace medicine, but it provides support that no one else can give. That is why I did not entrust Ruby's care to Edison or Nura, even though I knew they would gladly take on the responsibility.
Nevertheless, the thought of her lying there alone, with someone else — even the most reliable person — bringing her medicine or monitoring her condition, seemed wrong to me.
I had to be there. It was almost instinctive — as natural as breathing.
